Cervical screening can be done either through a Pap test or by including HPV screening.
- Pap Test: Detects abnormal cells in the cervix.
- HPV Screening: Identifies the HPV virus, which is more closely associated with cervical cancer.
Screening Guidelines:
- Under 20 years: No screening required.
- Ages 20-30: Pap test every 5 years.
- Ages 30-65
- Pap test alone every 3 years.
- Pap test with HPV screening every 5 years.
- HPV test alone every 5 years.
Over 65 years: No screening required unless there are other risk factors
Important Notes:
- Cervical cancer vaccine: Screening is still mandatory, even if vaccinated.
- After a hysterectomy: Screening remains mandatory unless the cervix was removed for benign reasons.
- History of cervical cancer: You must do a vault screen every 3-5 years for up to 20 years post-operation.
Special Cases:
HIV-positive patients, immune compromised patients, or those with suspicious cervix findings may need more frequent screening.